Hungry pests can threaten food crops, forests, and natural resources. Many invasive species are natural hitchhikers, making it easy for people to unintentionally move them to new areas.
They cause up to a billion dollars in damage each year!
A plant protection specialist explains some signs to look out for.
According to APHIS Executive Director Samantha Simon, “You might find a ‘V’ shaped hole in a tree or yellow or thin wilted leaves. These could be signs of emerald ash boar. If you find round impressions or pencil-sized, perfectly round holes in trees these could be signs of Asian round horned beatle.”
USDA says that hungry pests can hide in untreated firewood, attach themselves to outdoor gear and recreational vehicles, and even catch a ride in the mail.